1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
The stasis of this play occurs on a Native American reservation in the 1980s. The play centers around the lives of several women as they face economic, social, and emotional adversity. Bingo is the only sense of joy many of them have and thus is an important part of this play's plot.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion occurs when the women hear about the biggest bingo in the world.
3. What is the unique factor?
On this day, the main characters decide to leave for the biggest bingo in the world.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Emily have a baby?
Will Annie have a successful career as a singer?
Who will win the bingo?
If the women win, will their lives be substantially better off than they were before?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Information known to everyone: Winning the bingo tournament would change the lives of each of the characters.
Information known to one: Only Emily knows that she is pregnant.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
One of the most theatrical moments occurs when Marie-Adelaide travels into the spirit world.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Native American narratives
Gender
Alcoholism
Inequality
8. What does the chief character want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of her getting what she wants?
The chief character wants to win the prize money from the bingo game. However, this means she needs to get to Toronto to compete. Obstacles such as lack of reliable transportation and issue between characters stand in her way go traveling to Toronto.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
Bingo is a large part of the play and therefore provides an important image for the play. The nanobush is a recurring image that also play an important role because it connects certain characters to the spirit world.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Family plays a key role in this play. Due to being of Native American identity, they are the only ones that truly understand each other's struggles. The girls are all related to each other in some way and rely on each other for support. The men in their lives are not very supportive and therefore are not a big part of the plot of the play.
The stasis of this play occurs on a Native American reservation in the 1980s. The play centers around the lives of several women as they face economic, social, and emotional adversity. Bingo is the only sense of joy many of them have and thus is an important part of this play's plot.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion occurs when the women hear about the biggest bingo in the world.
3. What is the unique factor?
On this day, the main characters decide to leave for the biggest bingo in the world.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Emily have a baby?
Will Annie have a successful career as a singer?
Who will win the bingo?
If the women win, will their lives be substantially better off than they were before?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Information known to everyone: Winning the bingo tournament would change the lives of each of the characters.
Information known to one: Only Emily knows that she is pregnant.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
One of the most theatrical moments occurs when Marie-Adelaide travels into the spirit world.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Native American narratives
Gender
Alcoholism
Inequality
8. What does the chief character want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of her getting what she wants?
The chief character wants to win the prize money from the bingo game. However, this means she needs to get to Toronto to compete. Obstacles such as lack of reliable transportation and issue between characters stand in her way go traveling to Toronto.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
Bingo is a large part of the play and therefore provides an important image for the play. The nanobush is a recurring image that also play an important role because it connects certain characters to the spirit world.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Family plays a key role in this play. Due to being of Native American identity, they are the only ones that truly understand each other's struggles. The girls are all related to each other in some way and rely on each other for support. The men in their lives are not very supportive and therefore are not a big part of the plot of the play.